A tragic multi-vehicle collision on the Varanasi-Rewa highway in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur district claimed the lives of at least 11 people and left several others injured on Wednesday. The accident occurred near the Chunar police station area when a speeding truck lost control and rammed into a bus, triggering a chain reaction involving multiple cars.
Details of the Incident
According to local police officials, the truck driver apparently lost control due to brake failure, leading to the devastating pile-up. The bus was traveling from Varanasi to Rewa when it was hit. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crash followed by screams. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with police and local residents working together to pull out the trapped victims.
Casualties and Injuries
The deceased include four women and three children, with the rest being men. Many of the injured were rushed to the district hospital in Mirzapur, while those with critical injuries were referred to Varanasi for advanced treatment. Officials fear the death toll may rise as some victims are in serious condition.
Response and Investigation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured. He directed the district administration to ensure proper medical care for the injured. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. The highway was closed for traffic for several hours as rescue teams cleared the wreckage.
Road Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the persistent issue of road safety in Uttar Pradesh, which records one of the highest numbers of road accidents in India. Officials have reiterated the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and better maintenance of highways to prevent such tragedies.
